applicants: one with bad credit, one excellent credit

applicants: one with bad credit, one excellent credit

Chicago, IL · Member since 2013 · 2 posts · 0 votes

I got a lease application from a couple that has been living together at least 3 years. One has a credit score of 500; the other 800. They are being relocated from out of state by a Fortune 500 company (where they both work) and are in corporate housing for the time being. Their two previous landlords gave good references. The make $150,000 per year combined (about evenly split); the lease is $2,000 per month.

The 500 score is due to a string of delinquent credit card and auto loan accounts; he said it was due to him buying a too-expensive car so he fell behind on bills. This all happened within the past 12 months. He has since sold the car, and is going to send me some evidence that he's been cleaning up the delinquent items on the credit report, some of which are very recent. Prior to him buying the car, his credit was very good, which is how his credit report reads and this was also verified by a previous landlord.

I'm inclined to go ahead and accept them, but ask for two-months security deposit, which they said they are willing to do. I figure the one with high credit is basically like a co-signer for the one with low-credit.

Any words of wisdom?

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Investor · Rancho Cucamonga, CA · Member since 2008 · 1k+ posts · 684 votes
12y

I was going to recommend an increased deposit. If they are willing to pay 2-months deposit I would do it and move on.

His story does seem a little fishy to me. But it doesn't really matter that much. You have an 800 credit score, good income and a double deposit. Enough protection for me.

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  • Investor · Rancho Cucamonga, CA · Member since 2008 · 1k+ posts · 684 votes
    12y

    I was going to recommend an increased deposit. If they are willing to pay 2-months deposit I would do it and move on.

    His story does seem a little fishy to me. But it doesn't really matter that much. You have an 800 credit score, good income and a double deposit. Enough protection for me.

  • Developer · Garland, TX · Member since 2008 · 8k+ posts · 4k+ votes
    12y

    I agree with Steve, I'd take them with a double deposit. 800's pay.

  • Real Estate Investor · Hampton, VA · Member since 2012 · 562 posts · 109 votes
    12y

    I agree with all the comments above , since he was honest and forthright with his credit situation and willing to show proof . As a precaution moving forward, I would stay on top of my paperwork in the event they are late or miss a rent payment.

  • Chicago, IL · Member since 2013 · 2 posts · 0 votes
    12y

    Thank you for the replies. I forgot to mention he has student loans with a payment of $572 per month. I can see where a $450 car payment might have been a problem, despite his $70k salary.

  • Rental Property Investor · Ann Arbor, MI · Member since 2013 · 55 posts · 4 votes
    12y

    Can you request more than 1.5 months deposit? My understanding here is that you can only accept 1.5+ if it is offered unprompted.

  • Dallas, TX · Member since 2013 · 4k+ posts · 744 votes
    12y

    You need to check your state laws on the max deposits you can collect. Credit scores don't mean anything look at the whole picture.

    Joe Gore

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